Friday, January 3, 2014

In the mail yesterday, I received a reminder that my car's registration expires this month. That means getting the safety and emissions tests done. I figured that I should get it done today because 1) today was pay day at my new job so I have money, and 2) in the unfortunate but possible event that something was wrong, I would need to find time to get it fixed (which could be complicated given how much I work and consequently need to drive my car.) So, on my way home from work, I visited the same service center where I regularly get my oil changed. I don't really like going there because it always feels dirty, which makes sense given it's a mechanic. But I always go back because the manager remembers me every time and he treats me really well. He usually gives me discounts just cause. I don't actually know if he's allowed to do that... Anyway, the technicians finished the tests and low and behold, my car failed the safety test. My heart sunk. They told me what was wrong, and of course I didn't understand. I don't speak car. But then the manager came out and saw me. He said something like, "Oh! Was that your car we did the safety and emissions tests on?! Let me tell you what to do!" He sent me to their other store location just a block and a half away where they have the equipment to fix breaks. He instructed me to tell them he sent me and said to be good to me, then give me a $20 discount if they do any work. So, I drove off. At the other location, I tried my hardest to explain what was wrong, but ended up just giving them the paper work. When I mentioned who sent me, I had to laugh because the technician knew exactly who I was talking about. He yelled to his coworker to put my car in the front of the line, then he didn't charge me to... fix whatever he fixed. To be honest, I feel a little guilty about that... But, here's the happy thing: In the space of--I kid you not--half an hour, I learned my car didn't pass the safety test, had my car fixed, got my car to pass the safety and emissions tests, renewed the registration, and only paid what it cost for the tests and registration. I imagined it would take lots longer and a lot more money.

Here's a picture of that reminder that came in the mail:



Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day.